Organ donation is the greatest gift of all

Saving a a life with an organ transplant is a remarkable achievement, and even more so when the same organ is used to save another life a decade later. The case in which the liver of a 67-year-old has been re-transplanted to save a second life in 11 years is an inspiring example of how organ donation can make a long-lasting impact on people's lives, and medical history.

It is extraordinary that the liver, which is 78 years old now, has made it to a third body. Unlike hearts and kidneys, the regenerative ability of liver cells enables the organ to be transplanted more than once. Thanks to the dedicated and professional medical team at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong has written yet another chapter in organ transplant history.

The breakthrough would not have been achieved without the consent of the two donors. They put human lives above taboos and gave life to two patients who were waiting desperately for the right organ to come their way. Unfortunately, their noble acts remain an exception rather than the norm. Customs and beliefs still weigh heavily on people's minds. Until misfortune befalls, few would broach the subject.

However sophisticated our medical treatment has become, transplants are the only hope for many patients with organ failure. Overall, the government's central organ donation register has more than 152,000 sign-ups. Encouraging as it sounds, the organs actually made available for operations are still way below demand. Last year 72 liver donors came forward, six fewer than in 2012. As many as 120 patients were still on the waiting list last December. Dozens die each year before the right organ can be found.

Recipient Wong Wan-shing is lucky to have inherited a liver from two caring donors. Having gone through the ordeal of waiting while the clock was ticking, the 37-year-old said he would not hesitate to pass on the organ again, should the opportunity arise. Life is the most precious gift, if it should ever fall within our power to give it. Hopefully, the story will inspire even more to embrace organ donation.